Shane Watson has quit as Australia’s vice-captain, to give further
encouragement to England ahead of the back-to-back Ashes.

Whoever succeeds Watson, Australia will have a very inexperienced player stepping up to lead them if Michael Clarke is injured, as he was for their most recent Test match in India when Watson took over.

David Warner could emerge as the leading candidate to succeed Watson on the strength of being the only batsman in Australia’s Test side who has a secure place apart from Clarke. The only other players sure of their place are bowlers, like Peter Siddle.

The effect on Warner of having the Test captaincy thrust upon him in Clarke’s absence might not be beneficial. Warner has flourished as a highly aggressive opening batsman and captaincy has usually prevented such attackers from playing their natural game.

The downside for England is that a liberated Watson might finally come good. As Australia’s vice-captain, Watson has had a Test average of 24, while in their last Test series in India, he did not bowl at all. But when he does, he is the nearest player to rival Jacques Kallis in world cricket, as a top-order batsman who can bowl pace.

“I think it’s the right time for a change for both the team and me,” Watson said. “I wrestled with the decision for some time. I think I can still be a leader and strong contributor around the group.”

Watson was suspended from the third Test in India, along with three other players, for failing to respond to the order by Australia’s coach Micky Arthur to offer suggestions on how to turn round their losing series.